Nedbank serious about agri-sector, low GDP contribution unimportant
The agricultural sector ensures food security and provides a viable solution to youth unemployment.
Agriculture is not a fallback option for young Namibians, but a viable and promising career path, according to Nedbank Namibia managing director Martha Murorua."With strategic investment and innovation, the sector can drive economic growth, create sustainable jobs and ensure food security," she said.
Speaking at the announcement of a N$560 000 sponsorship for students to attend the Agra Agriculture Academy, Murorua stressed that employment creation, particularly for youth, is a shared national goal. “Everyone wants to contribute to employment, and we know where the employment figures of our youth are,” she said.
Nedbank sees initiatives in agriculture as one way to meet this challenge. “We really want to contribute. That’s why Nedbank supports this initiative. So that we can help each other to raise agriculture to the level it should be.”
Murorua called for a united front to make agriculture a career of choice. “Let us make agriculture an aspiring go-to career for Namibia. [However], we can only achieve this if we hold hands and strive in one direction.”
Beyond GDP
Murorua emphasised that agriculture must be valued beyond its GDP contribution. “Even at a global level, one understands the need for food security as a critical imperative for human survival,” she said.
She referred to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inaugural address, which called for a green revolution based on Namibia’s land and water resources.
According to Murorua, the Nandi-Ndaitwah’s words highlight agriculture's potential to support industrialisation and create jobs by supplying raw materials to the manufacturing sector.
“This is an exciting time for Namibia’s agriculture sector, a time of opportunities and growth,” she said.
Murorua made it clear that Nedbank views agriculture as a long-term strategic priority. “The agriculture sector has been a key strategic pillar in our strategic plan, and it will remain so for the immediate future.”
Bold investment
Furthermore, Nedbank is investing internally to better serve the sector. “Just this year alone, we have appointed four people as agricultural specialists,” she said, adding that these specialists have already made a significant impact.
Murorua explained that Nedbank aims to be active in all areas of the agriculture sector. “We took it upon ourselves to contribute to the sector, so we provided opportunities, facilitation for intensive farming training in Mariental and Stampriet areas,” she said.
During the training, farmers were exposed to small-scale intensive production models. “On a small area of 50 ha, they are farming with 1 500 goats, and those are things that we want to be part of.”
In partnership with Agra, Nedbank also supports farmer training through proceeds from the Nedbank for Good Series golf tournament. “Agra provides two- and three-day training courses to equip farmers to better manage their farming production and also the farming activities.”
Partnership is key
Murorua said partnerships are critical to achieving agricultural development goals. “We need to come together so that we can provide a singular destination, complete food security for ourselves, our neighbours, and everyone in need.”
She thanked Agra Limited and its CEO, Arnold Klein, for their efforts to empower underserved farmers through knowledge sharing and capacity building. “With a partner like Agra, under the leadership of Arnold, we couldn’t say no but to join his initiative.”
She also acknowledged the role of the Namibian Agronomic Board in supporting young agricultural graduates. “They too will play an important role in ensuring that once the students complete their studies, they will be provided with opportunities to gain on-the-job experience and further hone their skills.”
Bursaries
Nedbank has joined forces with Agra Limited to sponsor 20 bursary students, providing N$560 000 for their studies at the Agra Agriculture Academy of Namibia.
The bursary amount covers academic fees, registration and access to digital learning platforms. “These bursaries aim to encourage young people to pursue qualifications in agriculture.”
She said practical education is key to strengthening the sector. “Practical degrees equip students with hands-on experience and real-world skills, preparing them to tackle modern agricultural challenges and contribute to the sector’s growth.”
Murorua said the sponsorship was not a routine gesture but a significant step. “We are here as one united force to champion collaboration, growth and a bright future for Namibian agriculture.”